Article Summary

Amphetamine

Definition: Amphetamine

Amphetamine is an appetite suppressant and stimulant drug. Amphetamine stimulates the CNS or central nervous system which includes the brain and nerves by increasing the amounts of certain useful chemicals in the body. This in turn increases the blood pressure and heart rate. The increase in these chemicals in the body also decreases appetite. The chemicals also have other useful effects. Amphetamine is normally used to treat ADHD (attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity) and narcolepsy. Amphetamine may sometimes be used for other purposes that aren't listed medication guides.

Important Amphetamine information

When using amphetamine, avoid operating machinery, driving and doing any other tasks that are hazardous. This is because amphetamine is known to cause dizziness, restlessness or blurred vision. The drug is also capable of hiding symptoms and signs of extreme tiredness which is dangerous. You must therefore avoid hazardous activities when using amphetamine. It is also important to note that amphetamine is a habit forming drug. You are therefore likely to develop psychologically and physical dependency when using the drug. You are also likely to experience withdrawal effects after you stop using the drug. Amphetamine use should therefore be stopped gradually as opposed to stopping suddenly to avoid serious withdrawal effects.

You must also take amphetamine as directed. Don't crush or chew amphetamine capsules or tablets. You should instead swallow them with water. Before you take amphetamine, it is important to consider some things. For instance; you shouldn't use amphetamine if you have high blood pressure or heart disease. You should also avoid amphetamine if you have arteriosclerosis which is a condition characterised by hardening of arteries. Amphetamine should also be avoided by individuals with glaucoma and hyperthyroidism. You should also avoid the drug if you have taken MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) i.e. isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine or phenelzine in the last two weeks. Amphetamine should also be avoided by individuals with a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

You should make a point of informing you doctor if you suffer from the following ailments before taking amphetamine. These ailments include; any anxiety disorder, tourette's syndrome or phonic or motor tics, epilepsy or any another seizure disorders and diabetes. You shouldn't take amphetamine, if you have any of the above conditions because the drug can cause serious health risks/problems.

Amphetamine and pregnancy

It is important to note that Amphetamine is a category C FDA pregnancy drug. This simply means that there is no information to ascertain whether the drug is harmful to the unborn. You must therefore consult your doctor first before taking amphetamine if you are already pregnant or you are planning to become pregnant. Amphetamine is capable of passing into breast milk thus there may be high chances of the drug affecting your baby if you decide to take the drug without consulting your doctor. You shouldn't take the drug when breast-feeding a baby.

Amphetamine administration

You should take amphetamine exactly the way your doctor directs you. If you happen to become confused by the directions, do not hesitate to ask clarification from your doctor or pharmacist. Proper administration of amphetamine is very important to ensure safety. As mentioned above, the drug (amphetamine tablets or capsules) should be taken using water. You shouldn't take the drug at night because it is known to cause insomnia. You should never take additional doses of amphetamine without consulting your doctor. If you happen to develop tolerance towards the drug, consider consulting your doctor first before altering your dosage. It is important to note that amphetamine is a habit forming drug. Do not take too much of the drug because it is dangerous in huge quantities.

What should happen when you miss a dosage of amphetamine?

If you happen to miss a dose, take it immediately when you remember. In cases where you remember that you missed a dose very late, consider continuing with your normal dosage schedule. You must never take a double dose to cater/cover a missed dose.

In summary, the above information is adequate enough to guide you on amphetamine usage. You must however keep researching on new information about amphetamine to be at par with various drug developments.

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